Tool Maker (Milling)

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Company-paid life insurance

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is seeking an experienced Tool Maker (Milling) in Meriden, CT. This on-site role focuses on building, modifying, and repairing precision tooling for aerospace production in a tight-tolerance environment.

You will perform manual and CNC milling, read blueprints with GD&T, and verify dimensions using precision instruments. Join a hands-on team dedicated to craftsmanship, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in tool making or precision machining in aerospace or similar tight-tolerance environments.
• Strong manual and CNC milling background with ability to read complex prints and GD&T.
• Experience working with aerospace-grade materials and tight tolerances.
• Proficient with precision measuring tools and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and repair precision jigs, fixtures, gauges, and tooling.
• Set up manual and CNC milling to aerospace tolerances.
• Read blueprints and engineering drawings with GD&T.
• Use micrometers, indicators, and height gauges to verify dimensions.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on tooling challenges.
• Contribute to tooling design improvements and reliability.

Skills

Tool making

Manual milling

CNC milling

GD&T reading

Problem solving

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

TOOL MAKER (MILLING)

Location: Meriden, CT

Work Arrangement: On-site

Schedule: Any Shift

Pay: $30–$45/hour, based on experience, plus shift differential where applicable

Experience: 5+ years of tool making, precision machining, or tool & die experience

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Tool Maker (Milling) to support precision aerospace manufacturing in a tight-tolerance production environment.

This is a hands‑on toolroom opportunity focused on building, modifying, and repairing precision tooling used in aerospace production. You'll work on a variety of projects where craftsmanship, accuracy, and problem‑solving directly impact product quality and performance.

What You’ll Do

• Build, modify, and repair precision jigs, fixtures, gauges, and production tooling.
• Perform manual and CNC milling setups to tight aerospace tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and quality.
• Partner with engineering and quality teams to resolve tooling and machining challenges.
• Support continuous improvement in tooling design, manufacturability, and reliability.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in tool making, precision machining, or tool & die environments.
• Strong background in manual milling and/or CNC milling.
• Ability to read and interpret complex prints and GD&T.
• Experience working with tight tolerances and aerospace‑grade materials.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools, including micrometers, indicators, and height gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace tooling, fixture, or prototype manufacturing experience.
• Mastercam or CNC program editing experience.
• Exposure to 3-, 4-, or 5-axis milling.
• Toolroom, R&D, or job shop experience.
• First article inspection or engineering build support.

Compensation & Benefits

• $30–$45/hour, based on experience.
• Additional shift differential, where applicable.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Medical coverage starting on Day 1.
• Company-paid life and dental insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.

WHY JOIN?

• True toolroom environment: Work on varied projects rather than repetitive production tasks.
• Aerospace manufacturing: Support high‑precision, flight‑critical components.
• Meaningful craftsmanship: Build tooling where accuracy and quality matter.
• Long‑term opportunity: Join a stable aerospace manufacturing environment with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.